Course Content Page 1

Lead Poisoning

Sources of Lead Exposure

Lead mining and smelting is an important part of Missouri's history. Missouri became the dominant lead-producing state in the nation in 1907. Lead is found naturally in the earth's crust. In its refined and elemental state it is a shiny, silver-colored metal. Lead and lead-based compounds have been used in a wide variety of manufactured products including paints, insecticides, vinyl products (mini-blinds), ceramics, solders and storage batteries.

Exposure to lead occurs through:

Paint - Dwellings built prior to 1978 are at risk for paint that may contain lead. The federal government banned lead-based paint from housing in 1978. Lead-based paints become a health hazard when they are peeling, chipping, chalking, or cracking. They may also be a hazard when found on surfaces that children can chew, that are worn from opening and closing, or that get a lot of wear-and-tear. These interior and exterior areas include:

• Windows and windowsills
• Door and door frames
• Stairs, railings, and banisters
• Porches and fences

Dust - Lead dust can form when lead-based paint is dry-scraped, dry-sanded or heated. The rubbing or bumping together of lead-painted surfaces also creates lead dust. Lead dust can settle on surfaces and objects that people touch. The dust re-enters the air when we sweep, vacuum (non-HEPA filtered vacuum), or walk through it. When proper precautions are not taken, dust from ongoing renovations in a neighborhood can travel with prevailing winds and traffic patterns.

Water - Pipes and faucets made with lead or joined together with lead can contaminate the water we use. Lead may occasionally be found in a water supply. The Department of Natural Resources routinely checks public water supplies. However, if someone is concerned about their private water supply, they should contact their local public health agency.

Food - Food can be contaminated with lead if it is:

• Grown in soil that contains lead
• Stored or baked in leaded crystal glassware or lead-glazed ceramic ware
• Packaged in cans with lead seams
• Prepared by someone with lead on his or her hands

Soil - Soil can be contaminated with lead by:

• The previous use of leaded gasoline
• The chipping and dusting of lead from exterior lead painted buildings or surface
• Spillage from trucks hauling lead products or waste
• Emissions from industries

Lead in soil can be brought into a dwelling on one's feet or shoes or by pets.

Other Sources - One may also come into contact with lead through:

• Vinyl Christmas light cords
• Antique pewter
• Drapery and window weights
• Battery castings
• Fishing weights
• Hobbies such as stained glass making, furniture refinishing, and pottery making
• Folk remedies such as Azarcon, Greta, Pay-loo-ah, Marie Luisa, and Bali-goli
• Food imported from other countries

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